A Beautiful Thing

This story seems simple, but it is actually full of nuance and depth. Many of us can identify with the reaction of the disciples: after all, we tend to pride ourselves on our charity (at least in theory, even if not when it comes to our actual spending decisions). Jesus—who was far more compassionate towards the poor than anyone else who ever lived—obviously did not think this resource was wasted. Why was this expensive gift appropriately given? Why was it okay to pour out this valuable perfume on Jesus, rather than using it to help the poor?

There are three things to notice.

First, Jesus says she has done a beautiful thing for him. The Lord is always pleased when people honour him by doing beautiful things.

Second, Jesus says she did what she could. This is an amazing statement. We are not responsible for doing what other people can do: we are responsible for doing what we can do. We may not have a bottle of perfume worth a year’s wages, but we do have something—some time, money, energy, gift, or love. Jesus is honoured when we do what we can.

Third, the woman’s gift was special because she anointed him for burial. Jesus was going to his death, burial, and resurrection, and even though a crowd of women came to his tomb to anoint his body after his crucifixion, by then they were too late! This woman is the only one who perfumed his body which would soon be laid in the grave.

Her gift was extravagant, her sacrifice prompted by love. Who are we to judge? Her attitude is contrasted with Judas’s, who arranges to betray his master for a pittance. The point is never the monetary value: the point is always love.

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to do beautiful things for you. Help us to love you. Open our eyes to see the special things that we can do for you. Help us to recognize the gifts you have given us, and enable us to see opportunities to return them to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kathleen Gibson